Calling all anglers!
Fishing season doesn’t end when the lake freezes over. Our parks are home to some world-class ice fishing opportunities.
Here are some prime spots to drop a line this winter:
Safety first!
Before we get into our go-to ice fishing spots, let’s talk safety.
When ice fishing, safety should always be number one. Remember: ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness. Ice near shore will be thicker than farther out, and clear blue ice is stronger than white ice. Make sure you check ice thickness using your auger as you move farther out.
Always dress for the weather and layer up. Bring a charged cell phone with you, and let someone know where and when you’re going out.
Make sure you obey the rules and regulations of the body of water you’re fishing on. And don’t forget to bring your fishing licence with you!
Let’s get to it!
1. Windy Lake Provincial Park
Windy Lake Provincial Park is a winter wonderland offering skiing, snowshoeing, and, yes, ice fishing!
The lake is a great spot to hook Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish in the winter. You can try ice fishing without the hassle of bringing your own equipment too! A complete ice fishing package is available for rent from the Park Office.
Looking to stay the night? The park also has four yurts and two lakeside cabins open all winter. Make your reservations now!
Windy Lake is 45 minutes from Sudbury.
2. Silent Lake Provincial Park
Looking to hook some beautiful Lake Trout? Head to Silent Lake!
Silent Lake has everything you need for a great winter fishing trip: beautiful scenery, bountiful fish, and cozy yurts to warm up after a day on the ice. There’s also cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking to keep you busy!
Remember to consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations before heading out. Keep the gas-powered augers at home, too!
Silent Lake is 2.5 hours from Toronto and 3 hours from Ottawa.
3. Sibbald Point Provincial Park
Lake Simcoe is known province-wide for its amazing ice fishing opportunities.
With the sheltered bay located at Sibbald Point Provincial Park, it makes for a great walk-out spot to enjoy fishing for jumbo Yellow Perch and Whitefish.
Park staff keep the main road and a parking lot plowed all winter for eager anglers.
Sibbald Point is just over 1 hour from Toronto.
4. Quetico Provincial Park
Quetico is known for its rugged beauty, towering rock cliffs, majestic waterfalls, virgin pine and spruce forests, and picturesque rivers and lakes.
When the ice freezes over, the park hosts endless opportunities for ice fishing. Think of all the Lake Trout hiding in Quetico’s water bodies!
Extend your stay and camp overnight! Prefer to keep it extra warm and toasty? Stay at one of the year-round cabins.
Remember to use artificial bait and barbless hooks!
Quetico is 4 hours east of Kenora or 3 hours west of Nipigon.
5. Frontenac Provincial Park
If you’re looking for an ice fishing adventure, Frontenac is the park for you.
You can target Northern Pike, various species of panfish, and Brook Trout in the winter. Pack up your gear and take a hike into one of the three lakes with stocked Brook Trout. You can’t beat the beauty and serenity of ice fishing on a secluded lake!
Not afraid of the cold? Frontenac is a favourite of winter campers!
Frontenac is 45 minutes from Kingston.
Want to fish for free?
Plan your trip during Ontario’s Family Fishing Weekend! From February 17-19, 2024, Canadian residents can fish without a licence!
Don’t forget to check Fish ON-Line to research your lake!